Budget battle: Governor's veto means here we go again

The fact that Gov. Bev Perdue is in such a state of despair over the provisions of the Republican-proposed and passed 2011-12 budget is sad, but inconsequential in the long run.

She might have vetoed the measure, but the legislative leaders say they are pretty sure they have the votes to override.

So, expect a whole lot more grandstanding in the next couple of days -- more comments about devastating education in North Carolina and dueling arguments over exactly which party is destroying the state's future. There will be press conferences and expansive statements of sadness and regret as well as more name-calling.

And in the end, we likely will have a budget plan.

Perdue is right about one thing: The budget does take aim at some state expenses -- and not all ones that we would like to have on the chopping block.

But just like in a family budget, there are times when you have to cut things you do not want to cut and to scale back what you would like to do because your bank account just isn't as flush as it used to be.

It is called reality -- and it is something state lawmakers -- and federal lawmakers for that matter -- have not dealt with in a really long time or we would not be in this mess.

The budget battle has been bloody this year -- and even the compromise bill includes some tough decisions.

It is time to put the debate to rest and make a choice to move forward. The future awaits.